Controlling scab, itch and flystrike

Blowfly strike, also known as myiasis, is an important cause of sheep losses across the world, including in New Zealand and Australia. Drs Gareth Bath and Jan de Wet describe blowfly strike as one of the costliest of all sheep diseases.

“It is particularly severe in wool breeds, and since Merinos and allied breeds make up the great majority of sheep in South Africa, the blowfly problem has a major impact,” they write.

According to Bath and De Wet, the direct and indirect costs of blowfly strike run into millions of rands. Blowfly strike affects all ages of sheep. It is caused when blowflies lay their eggs on soiled areas on fleece. Once the maggots hatch, they secrete fluids, which attract other flies.

Blowfly strike causes the infected animal great stress, and can lead to death. The maggots of grow while feeding on the living flesh of the sheep, and secrete ammonia, thus poisoning the sheep. Sheep may show skin irritation by